Angling report launched by Culture Minister

Recreational angling nets £22.5million for the Northern Ireland economy, according to a recent government report.

The Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure Minister, Edwin Poots, MLA has today launched the findings of a Social and Economic Study into angling in Northern Ireland.

The minister commented "I am pleased to announce the results of this important study into the value of recreational angling in Northern Ireland. The study highlighted that angling provides significant economic and social benefits to Northern Ireland.

"The report estimates that the overall net impact of recreational angling, including domestic and visitor angling, to the Northern Ireland economy is £22.5million. It also estimates that angling supports a total of approximately 778 full-time equivalent jobs."

The Department is committed to providing angling services in Northern Ireland, through the provision of the public angling estate, which includes a total of 64 fisheries available to the public for all types of angling.

The Public Angling Estate includes excellent salmon, wild brown trout and sea trout angling, with some providing exclusive beat fishing. There are specialist pike fisheries, or competition and leisure anglers may prefer the world-class fishing for bream and roach where bags up to 60 kg are regularly taken.

The minister concluded: "Angling is the most popular participation sport in Northern Ireland and a valuable element of our tourist industry. This report highlights its importance and has also made recommendations on how the economic impact of the sector might be increased even further."

Notes to Editors:

• The Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure, in partnership with the Loughs Agency and Northern Ireland Tourist Board engaged consultants PricewaterhouseCooper (PwC) in 2005 to conduct an evaluation of the social and economic impact to Northern Ireland, and areas within the Loughs Agency, of recreational fisheries, angling and angling resources.
• The Consultant’s final report entitled ‘The Social and Economic Impact to Northern Ireland, and areas within the Loughs Agency, of Recreational Fisheries, Angling and Angling Resources’ was completed on 17 December 2007.
• More information can be found at the Department of Culture Arts and Leisure website or by contacting the Department of Culture Arts and Leisure on 028 9025 8863 Email: dcalangling@dcalni.gov.uk.
• Media enquiries to DCAL Press Office on 028 9025 8902 or email: press.office@dcalni.gov.uk Out of office hours please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.